Ripon fund-raises for Hurricane Harvey victims

Hurricane Harvey devastated Houston, leaving many without their personal belongings or even a home. Texas Governor Greg Abbott declared a State of Disaster for 30 Texas counties, and Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards declared a State of Emergency. Harvey has already claimed at least 60 lives, and the aftermath will continue to impact citizens’ daily lives.

Although roughly 1,400 miles away, Ripon College’s student organizations have taken charge in organizing supply drives to help those impacted by the hurricane. Organizations include College Democrats, College Republicans, Campus Christian Fellowship (CCF), International Relations Club (IRC), Sigma Chi and Young Americans for Freedom (YAF). Other clubs have also discussed pooling resources to send to Houston, such as the Feminist Club, who wants to send feminine hygiene products.

“Every little bit helps,” said College Democrats President and College Days Publishing and Advertising Manager Lauren Hince ‘18. “People have lost everything and the supply drive helps try and ease the burden on these families.”

By partnering with the Red Cross, the organizations involved were able to send money and supplies to a substantial foundation already in Houston providing support.

“Even though the money’s not going to reach them right now, it may reach them in a week or two, and that rebuilding process is going to take a lot of time and a lot of supplies and a lot of money,” said IRC President and Sigma Chi President Jimmy Amedeo ‘18. “In order to help another human being, you should just donate money.”

The supply and money drives lasted until Sept. 8, however that doesn’t mean the Ripon community should stop donating. People can also look into organizations outside the campus to help give back.

Webster’s Marketplace ran their own supply drive by teaming up with Joe Wrzinski and his semi trailer. Webster’s shoppers were welcome to drop off their supplies directly at the truck, or they were able to talk to someone at the courtesy counter for more help. Wrzinski departed for Houston on Sept. 5, and arrived at a warehouse there on Sept. 7 to deliver supplies.

With the donations sent to help those affected by Hurricane Harvey, Ripon has come together and given back

Amedeo said, “When someone’s knocked down, you’ve got to help them get back up.”